FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 15, 2024
Media Contact: Patrick Jones, Environmental Health Manager
Patrick.Jones@vdh.virginia.gov
PRINCE WILLIAM HEALTH DISTRICT WARNS OF RABIES CONCERN IN THE DUMFRIES AREA
(Prince William, Va) - In order to protect the health of the residents and visitors, the Prince William Health District (PWHD) is issuing a notice about a cat that has tested positive for rabies in the Dumfries area.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Rabies can be prevented in cats, dogs, ferrets and some livestock with a rabies vaccination. Rabies kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it. The rabies virus is mainly in the saliva and brain tissue of rabid animals. It can be transmitted through a bite or by getting saliva or brain tissue in a wound or in the eye or mouth.
Dumfries Area Notice: Cat with Rabies found in the area of 17000 block of Fraley Boulevard, Dumfries:
A cat found Monday, February 12, 2024 in the area of Jiffy Lube MultiCare, located at 17440 Fraley Boulevard, Dumfries has tested positive for Rabies. The male cat had short-haired gray fur with white on its legs and a small amount of white on its face. The cat also had wounds on its front and back legs. PWHD asks anyone who may have come in contact with a cat acting strangely in or around this area to call the health district at 703-792-5363 or the Prince William Animal Control Division at 703-792-6500.
Steps to prevent the spread of Rabies:
To protect pets and their owners from rabies, Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current.
The Prince William Health District is reminding the public to avoid contact with bats, feral cats, stray dogs and wild animals, particularly in the area where the sick cat was found. See additional precautions below.
Additional Steps to Protect Against Rabies Exposure:
- Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
- Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up-to-date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
- Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
- Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact your local animal control for assistance.
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
- If you observe any stray animals in the area, please contact the Prince William County Animal Control Division for assistance at 703-792-6500. Please do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals.
- If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Please call the Prince William County Animal Control Division at 703-792-6500, to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
- If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the Prince William Health District for further recommendations.
For additional information, visit vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/. For more information about the Prince William Health District, please visit vdh.virginia.gov/prince-william/. You can also follow us on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
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